how do you build 3d-geometry(archviz)

[max.m]

hy there, i have a fundamental question. what is your approach to make a 3d-model for archviz(houses)? i work with autocad and 3d studio max and still use my workflow for modelling i found when i started doing archviz about 10 years ago.

i make polylines of walls, windows, for of each facade out of the plan i get from the architect in cad, import the polys in 3d studio, extrude them, put each object of a wall in the correct position and when the wall is ready i rotate and positionate it, to fit to the existing geometry.

by writing this i realise that there should be more efficient ways to do this.so can you tell me about your workflows when you make your 3d geometry out of cad? (model in autocad, archicad...)

thx

[Camby1298]

This topic has been discussed before within these forums. Search around and youll find 'em

[3D_IC]

I've used the same process for ten years also except I extrude in CAD and create the whole model in CAD as solids. Rather than drawing a closed polyline and extruding I mainly use the box tool for walls because this saves a couple of clicks per wall. If all the walls are drawn at the same time it can take only a few mins to complete the whole building. Any opennings for windows I create by subtracting boxes from the walls. 3DPOLY also comes in very handy for roof lines. Any changes along the way are done in CAD and re-linked with the file link manager. I never have any problems with this work process, and the geometry is always very clean. Any organic shapes I model in MAX

[max.m]

thanks for the substantial reply david. i just can`t find the box tool in autocad. i am on 2004.

[3D_IC]

try typing box in command line.

I'm not sure if 2004 has it though.

I'm using 2009 so may be time for an upgrade.

[Archiform 3D]

I model the structure in ArchiCAD, which is way faster and better suited that AutoCAD. Then anything that is organically shaped, like furniture and landscaping, is done in Cinema4D. Cinema4D is my choice (has been for many many many years) but you could use Max, Maya, etc as well.

[max.m]

@3D_IC: doesn`t work, i think i will have to upgrade. even more as i heard about the sweep command from version 2007.

 

@Archiform 3D: i have a view friends who work on the nemetschek products(archicad, maxon,..) they are fine, but i`don`t want to begin to learn a new cad program.

[erickdt]

I build almost everything in FormZ and export it to MAX. As far as I'm concerned there is no better modeler for architectural/built forms than FormZ.

[bev.lynn]

Max, in AutoCAD 2004 the 3D commands are at the very bottom of the Draw menu - Surfaces - Solids. The Box command is the first command on the fly-out that appears when you select Solids!

[max.m]

thanks beverly, found it.

[3D_IC]

I've been given ArchiCAD models by clients in the past and they have had messy geometry, even rendering black. Not sure if this problem has been fixed, but I have heard people saying good things about ArchiCAD. I'm in the same boat though. Why learn another CAD program when AutoCAD does the trick.

[ingo]

I agree, ArchiCad modells are always a nightmare, although its getting better. I do model with FormZ too, solid modelling at its best. For other modelling i use LightWave, because its easier for more organic stuff like vegetation and so on. ArchiCAD, AutoCAD and Max are no option for me, way to pricey.

 

Hmm max.m, if you don't want to learn a new program why do you post the question in the general discussion forum ??